Western NSW Region
Western NSW encompasses a vast inland region that includes regional centres such as Orange, Dubbo, and Broken Hill, as well as numerous rural and remote communities. Vocational education and training are integral to fostering skills development, creating opportunities, and supporting workforce growth throughout this diverse area.
2026 regional finalists and winners
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brodie Gibson | Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | TAFE NSW | Parkes Shire Council | - |
| Scott Higgins | Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead | Essential Energy | Essential Energy | - |
| Tylah Mapperson | Certificate III in Business | Zeal Futures Learning | Zeal Futures | Service NSW |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brodie Gibson | Certificate III in Surveying and Spatial Information Services | TAFE NSW | Parkes Shire Council |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corey Armstrong-Lane | Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology | TAFE NSW | Skillset | Yancoal Moolarben Coal Operations |
| Jack De Freitas | Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead | Essential Energy | Essential Energy | - |
| Izaak Johnston | Certificate III in Barbering | TAFE NSW | Mane Man’s Barbershop | - |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jack De Freitas | Certificate III in ESI - Distribution Overhead | Essential Energy | Essential Energy |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paige Campbell | Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance | TAFE NSW | Western NSW Local Health District | Dunedoo Central School |
| Anabelle Hampton | Certificate III in Real Estate Practice | Real Estate Institute of New South Wales | HR Realtors and Lifestyle Property Specialists | Lithgow High School |
| Bronte Toole | Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology | TAFE NSW | Beard Bros Motorcycles | Mackillop College - Bathurst |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anabelle Hampton | Certificate III in Real Estate Practice | Real Estate Institute of New South Wales | HR Realtors and Lifestyle Property Specialists | Lithgow High School |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macy Everingham | Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice | Real Estate Institute of New South Wales | Bob Berry Real Estate |
| Trinity Preston | Certificate III in Business | Australian College of Commerce & Management | Orange City Council |
| Elliette Timmins | Certificate III in Business | Australian College of Commerce & Management | Advanced Hearing Solutions |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity Preston | Certificate III in Business | Australian College of Commerce & Management | Orange City Council |
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marisa Dial | Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst | Orange City Council | James Sheahan Catholic High School |
| Thomas Rogers | Certificate III in Live Production and Technical Services | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst | - | St Matthews Catholic School Mudgee |
| Joaquin Vicente | Certificate II in Cookery | Independent Schools NSW | The Terrace Thai Cuisine | Orange Christian School |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Training Provider | Employer | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joaquin Vicente | Certificate II in Cookery | Independent Schools NSW | The Terrace Thai Cuisine | Orange Christian School |
| Name | Field of Study | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Bell | Live Production and Technical Services | Catholic Education Diocese of Bathurst |
| Michael Pora | Wool Classing, Shearing and Handling | Australian Agricultural Training |
| Susanne Witt | Business | OCTEC |
Winner
| Name | Field of Study | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Susanne Witt | Business | OCTEC |
| Name | Qualification | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla Grover-O’Connor | Certificate IV in Leadership and Management | Sureway Skills Training | Bathurst RSL Club |
| Leanne Kennewell | Certificate IV in Housing | CHIA NSW | Housing Plus |
Winner
| Name | Qualification | Employer | Host Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leanne Kennewell | Certificate IV in Housing | CHIA NSW | Housing Plus |
2025 regional winners
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year - Breanna Pilon
- Apprentice of the Year - Daniel Stephens
- School-based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year - Amali Rollinson
- Trainee of the Year - Olivia Barsley
- VET in Schools Student of the Year - Darby Hubber
- VET Teacher/Trainer of the Year - Elizabeth Wright PSM
- Vocational Student of the Year - Rebecca Hambrook
Postcodes covered by this region
Contact details
For more information about the Western NSW Regional Training Awards, please contact:
Regional Liaison Officer (RLO) Lead:
Kirstie Towle
E: Kirstie.Towle1@det.nsw.edu.au
M: 0467 828 284
RLO Support:
Mollie Little
E: mollie.little@det.nsw.edu.au
Last modified date
11/06/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
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Executive director’s business unit
Communication & Engagement